GARDEN LIFE
Flower shows, a platform for innovation
Satish Narula

Clianthus

EVERY enthusiastic gardener awaits the arrival of spring. The season not only affords an opportunity to enjoy various winter annuals in bloom but also to see or participate in the flower and garden shows. Such shows have tremendously contributed to the cause of horticulture. It is time for the experts too to familiarise themselves with any new species.

Over the years, I have observed many an amateur transforming into a green thumb. Many lay gardeners have turned into experts, all thanks to their constant quest for perfection and a desire to display something novel in their gardens. Out of a sense of competitiveness, participants in flower shows tap all flower and plant sources, both indigenous and exotic. These shows have thus become a platform to share and showcase horticultural experimentation and innovation.

EARLIER COLUMNS Time for plant rejuvenation February 22, 2004 The lawn as a canvas February 8, 2004 Carnation care January 25, 2004 Tree truths January 11, 2004 Nip mango mealy bug in the bud now December 14, 2003 Plant evergreens at the entrance November 30, 2003 Amla, jamun plants regain popularity November 16, 2003 Cycads a favourite of landscapists October 19, 2003 Save the citrus crop from fruit drop October 5, 2003 Variegated foliage a wonder of nature September 21, 2003

Like any other field of technology, horticulture has seen a sea change with the introduction of new species. Every year, we see an introduction of some new species. In the following year, many more variations of the same species become available. For example, a few years ago, pink anthuriams made an appearance in a flower show. Next time, there were the red and then the white ones. And now, the latest are the hybrid anthuriams with mixed colour combinations. Various kinds of anthuriams, both flowering and foliage, can now be seen competing for the top prizes.

With the passage of time, the gardeners have attained perfection in the production of traditional flowers like rose, dahlia, gladiolus, carnation, gerbera, stock, pansy, etc.

Of late, visitors to flower shows have also been getting an opportunity to feast their eyes on various flowering and foliage wonders like the hyacinths, renunculus, tulips, heliconia, vries, clianthus, the desert pea (see the accompanying picture), bromeliads, bird of paradise, various kinds of orchids, and many more.

Most of the flowers that were being imported till recently are now being grown in the region successfully. The region is blessed with a climate that allows the cultivation of almost all types of flowers.

Go ahead and cultivate some exotic species. Your efforts may be rewarded.